Teen charged with manslaughter in death of former Jet Dennis Byrd

An Oklahoma man has been charged with manslaughter in the car crash that killed former Jets defensive end Dennis Byrd last year, according to the Associated Press.

Byrd, age 50 at the time of his death, was killed on Oct. 15, 2016, when Zachary Reed of Claremore, Okla., veered into an oncoming lane. The 18-year-old struck the vehicle Byrd was driving.

A second-round draft pick of the Jets in 1989, Byrd played three seasons in New York before tragically breaking his neck in a 1992 game against the Chiefs.

Byrd and teammate Scott Mersereau collided as they attempted to sack Chiefs quarterback Dave Krieg. Byrd slammed headfirst into the chest of Mersereau, breaking a vertebra in his neck. The incident left him paralyzed.

Doctor’s were unsure if he’d ever walk again.

Byrd inspired everyone less than a year later when he walked onto the Meadowlands field for the Jets’ season opener as an honorary captain. His No. 90 was later retired by the Jets.